Not counting the Bible, "Harry Potter has reached more
people than any other book series in history," Grant points out.
"Never mind the movies, merchandising, and other sources of
contact."

Worldwide, "Harry Potter" books have sold more than
450 million copies. The next highest series is
"Lord of the Rings," by J.R.R. Tolkien, at a comparably paltry
150 million copies.

But Rowling isn't just the most influential because she
moves a lot of paper, Grant argues. It's how her books affect
kids, both in the moment and for life.

"It affects them when they're young and impressionable —
and has inspired an entire generation to read, opening the door
to many other avenues for education," he says.

Some adults certainly read novels as a form of escape,
but great novels suck you in. Science backs it up.

Psychological research suggests that, by stepping inside the mind of
a main character, reading makes us more empathetic. We consider
alternative points of view and see the rationale behind
choices that we may never face firsthand.

More than that, "Harry Potter" has been found to be especially
helpful in reducing kids' latent biases: Perspective-taking,
wrote researchers of a 2014 study,
"emerged as the process allowing attitude improvement"
toward immigrants, homosexuals, and refugees when people sided
with Harry over Voldemort.

The stories may take place in fantastical worlds, but its
relatable themes get kids thinking positively about the
Earth they inhabit.

"Ms. Rowling," Grant says, addressing the author, "the
world would be a better place if you kept writing 'Harry Potter'
books."